New Year starts slightly better.............but lack of control has been England's key downfall

A week ago as we left for Penang Australia stood at 84 for 5 and England had a chance at the MCG. When I was able to get internet connectivity after the Taiwan earthquake Hayden, who should not have been at the crease, but was thanks to two very poor decisions by Rudi Kurzen and Symonds had blastedAustralia out of sight. England's second innings collapse was almost inevitable and one can see why the selectors wanted to include Giles for his batting early in the series.

Again today Australia showed that once they capture 5 wickets England are finished. Mahmoud is clearly well out of his depth at 8. It is surprising that Dalrymple was not included for this Test as he would at least have helped shore up the lower order and with Flintoff finding some form England might have passed 300. While the bowling would hardly have suffered.

Throughout the series England have been unable to exert any pressure and from Harmison's first ball they have lacked control. Hoggard and to a lesser extent Panesar are the only two bowlers to emerge with credit. Simon Jones absence has been a major factor as neither Mahmoud nor Anderson have been able to unsettle the Aussie batsmen. By contrast, except in the 1st innings in Adelaide England have always had to fight for each run as McGrath, Clarke and Warne have found line and length from the off. England unsettled the Australians in 2005 with pace and bounce but this time the hostility has been replaced by waywardness. While slow pitches have hindered England a lack of discipline in the bowling has been more costly.Umpiring decisions have not helped with Strauss and Bell both suffering,while Hayden's let off's in the 4th Test had a major bearing on the match. England have been outplayed and well beaten.
On the batting side Marcus Trescothick has clearly been missed as he might have taken the game more to the Aussies from the off. Pieterson has been the one batsman to dominate and to look confident and have an air of permanence at the crease. Few though could argue with England's batting line up.

The bowling has been the major problem and for me Panesar should have played at Adelaide as well as Giles, with Anderson omitted as he like Mahmoud has been much too expensive. Hoggard needed more support, while Flintoff and Harmison needed someone to establish some pressure to enable them to prosper. Jon Lewis would have been a better bet for this series than either Mahmoud or Anderson.I hope he proves it in the one dayers............

As we prepare to leave Penang Harmison strikes to remove Hayden and Australia go to tea at 109 for 2.

What price a collapse before we land??

Well hardly a collapse but with Ponting run out by Anderson and Clarke caught behind off Harmison at 180 for 4 England are in with a chance. Hussey though is still there and we know what Symonds can do so early wickets tomorrow are a necessity.